Barbara France

Managing Editor

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Charlie Brown, who ran and lost twice for the U.S. Congress, announce he has accepted an appointment from the Obama Administration and will soon begin a new job at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in Washington, D.C.

Brown, Lt. Col., USAF, Ret., ran for the California District 4 congressional seat against incumbent John Doolittle in 2006, losing by a wide margin and then again in 2008 after Doolittle announced his retirement. Brown, a moderate Democrat, lost that election to outsider Republican Tom McClintock, a staunch conservative.

“It was one year ago that a record number of Americans stood together to take our community, and our country in a new direction. There is no denying the important strides we’ve made. But it is also clear that very significant challenges remain, both at home and abroad. Everyone can and must play a role to help get our country back on track,” stated Brown in a press release sent last week to his supporters.  “In that same spirit, I have accepted an appointment from the Obama Administration and will soon begin a new job at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in Washington D.C. This position will require Jan and I to relocate, but we will be keeping our home in Roseville and expect to be back to the 4^th District frequently.”

Brown said he will be shutting down his Web site charliebrownforcongress.com but supporters can stay in touch by contacting him and his wife at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Brown fought for his country and served in the military for 26 years after graduating from the Air Force Academy in 1972.

He also was involved in every U.S. military conflict from the Vietnam War to Desert Storm. He received the Flying Cross for his service during the evacuations of Saigon and Phnom Penh. He served in Air Force intelligence after the first Gulf War.

He has been married to his wife, Jan, for more than 35 years. She also served in the Air Force as a nurse. Their son, Jeff, has continued the tradition as a member of the Air Force serving in Iraq.  They also have a daughter.

He concluded the release with a thank you and endorsement of several California congressional candidates.

“Jan and I will never forget your tireless support, your kind words of encouragement, and your generosity of time, resources and spirit these past four years. And while we can never say thank you enough.

“Together, we have begun to transform the district we are all proud to call home. But we have only just begun. I hope all of you will continue to stay involved, be a voice for sound decision making and doing what’s right for our community and our country.

“I have frequently been asked whom I will be supporting in next year's elections. While I encourage everyone to attend events and listen to candidates speak on the issues so you can make your own informed decisions, these are the candidates I have endorsed at this time:

•John Garamendi in California's 10th CD (congressional district). John will fight for health-care reform, energy independence, for our national defense, for our troops and their families, and he will be a true defender of our Constitution and American values.

•Dave Jones for California insurance commissioner. Dave is a strong consumer advocate and will fight to make sure that insurers do not take advantage of consumers. He understands when people pay for insurance; they expect their insurance to be there when they need it. He will use the full authority of the office to make sure that health insurers do not engage in — medical recession — the practice of finding reasons to rescind health insurance just when people are sick or injured and need it most.

•Kamala Harris for California attorney general

•Francine Busby for California's 50th CD. Francine is a proven leader with the courage, determination and integrity to fight for her convictions and our shared values. I am honored to endorse a candidate who is a staunch supporter of healthcare reform, our veterans and our precious civil rights, equal rights and human rights.

"Again, I thank you all for your support and encourage you to stay involved in your local communities, support the candidates of your choice, and be informed on the issues,” said Brown.